“In order to achieve a safe and secure environment for all communities, the West Rand District management vowed to leave no stone unturned as they continued with proactive crime prevention initiatives as part of Operation Okae Molao,” a statement from the Tarlton police’s spokesperson, Constable Lucky Matome, read.
The statement went on to explain that a lack of adequate security and stability in rural and farming communities are causing disruptions in the economy.
“It threatens to bring reduced growth or production, loss of wages and profits and in time unemployment which could bring the specter of deepening poverty and potential social instability which could lead to crime.”
Photos: Supplied.
Adding that some acts of violence on farms and smallholdings are being defined as ‘farm attacks’ and that these attacks are sometimes not specifically directed against the residents but mostly crime in general.
“Acts of violence against people on farms and small holdings and all acts of violence against infrastructure and property in the rural community aimed at disrupting legal farming activities constitute an offence which could be punishable by the state.”
The statement said the police have committed itself through a code of conduct to create a safe environment by addressing the root cause of these crimes.
It is for these reasons that another operation was conducted on 20 February in rural areas like Tarlton, Hekpoort and Magaliesburg.
The operation saw 257 people being arrested, R51 850 worth of road fines issued and 32 500ml of liquor being confiscated when two illegal servers were closed down.
Suspects were arrested for a variety of crimes ranging from house robbery, murder, rape, possession of drugs, domestic violence related assaults, fraud, illegal immigrants, assault with an intent to cause grievous bodily harm as well as possession of suspected stolen goods.
All those who were arrested will appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court.
“I extend a big thank you to the team and all external stakeholders and role players for all your efforts and hard work,” West Rand District Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said.
“Let us promote neighbourhood watches, brand our livestock properly, continuously count our stock more often and hire reliable employees with proper documentation and traceable references,” Kekana concluded.
